The Difference Between “Battle Royale” & “Deathmatch”

While games like PUBG and Fortnite headline with the words “battle royale”, gamers ask themselves why it’s any different from a deathmatch.

Classic Battle Royale vs. Deathmatch Questions

“Ain’t ‘Battle Royale’ just a new cool modern term for ‘Deathmatch’?”

“Why do people talk about ‘Battle Royale’ games like it’s a new genre?”

“Hasn’t basically every ‘Deathmatch’ FPS since the beginning of FPS had a ‘Battle Royale’ mode?”

The important thing is, these questions don’t have simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers. Perhaps the best way to look at Battle Royale and Deathmatch games are as close relatives. They share the same DNA but each has unique traits. Also (still building on the “close relatives” analogy), some may be closer lookalikes than others.

4 Key Differences Between Battle Royale & Deathmatch Games

For the most part, you’ll find that Battle Royale (BR) and Deathmatch (DM) games have these unique traits.

(1) Loadouts

Most DM games will have you typically start with weapons and gear you picked from a previous loadout screen. Perhaps you custom-pick these items or they might be part of a ‘class’ you select to play with.

The BR idea is about throwing you into a game with nothing — or very close to nothing. “Weapons and equipment OSP”, like Solid Snake would say.

(2) Elimination

When you’re eliminated in a DM game, you’ll usually respawn within a short period of time into the current game. You’ll have plenty of chances to charge straight into the fight again and have your sweet vengeance.

Get popped in a BR game and you kiss any hopes of revenge goodbye. At least as far as that particular match is concerned.

(3) Kills

DM games usually tend to be a lot more fast-paced. This is because the winner is the party with the most kills. You’ll find frantic, blazing battles because everyone is trying to get in as many kills as possible.

Since BR games knock you out of the round with no pity, the pace is a little slower. You’ll want to focus on fortifying your position and/or character before heading into battle. So, obviously, the goal of a BR game isn’t to get the most kills but just to be the last man standing.

(4) Arenas

DM games drop you into a static arena where you battle it out with other players. Mastery of that arena and learning to use strategic positions can give you a real edge.

On the other hand, BR games mostly have dynamic arenas. Often, you’re dropped into a large arena that gradually becomes smaller, forcing players to confront each other.

So, if you want to be precise, these are pretty much the four main difference between Battle Royale and Deathmatch. Whichever one you prefer really depends on what kind of gamer you are.